Volume 94
Number 52

Monday
Feb 14, 2000

Audience votes to 'Hawg the Hogs' La'Shara Doss Traveler Staff After students voiced their opinions to the Board of Trustees Thursday afternoon, The Arkansas Union Society had a debate in which 74 of the 97 audience members favored playing at least five football games in Fayetteville.

Debating: Marcus Elliot, a former UA football player from Little Rock, speaks in favor of keeping three home football games in Little Rock. [Shawna Forrest photo]

"This house would 'Hawg the Hogs' and bring all football games to Fayetteville," said Toni Barger, leader for moving more games to Fayetteville.

Barger said UA Chancellor John A. White, the UA administration and staff, men's athletic director Frank Broyles and the students have agreed upon playing more football games at the UA campus.

Barger said bringing more games to Fayetteville would enhance the support of Razorback fans in the new stadium with 83,000 seats. She said there is nothing more exciting than having twice as many fans calling the Hogs.

"Little Rock games bring us tradition because they represent our uniqueness, how distinguished we are and how we pull together as a whole state," said Justin Tilley, leader of the opposition.

Tilley said the attendance at Little Rock games is greater than at Fayetteville games. He also said more than 63 percent of people who support Razorback football live in the southern part of the state.

Moving games out of Little Rock would definitely create a division between the whole state, Tilley said.

"Athletic director Frank Broyles is guilty," Trevor Lavy, a UA almunus, said. "He is guilty of having a vision to create a better football team who can play on the same level as Nebraska, Tennessee or any other top university."

Lavy said Broyles is not only guilty of having a dream of a new stadium and hopes of winning a national championship, but he is guilty of hiring the best coach the UA have ever had and taking the heat for the UA coaching staff in past years.

Lavy said Broyles is also guilty of collecting private donations for the new stadium.

"I admit Broyles is guilty, but he should be praised for his guilt and other accomplishments," Lavy said.

Marcus Elliot, a former UA football player and guest debater for the opposition, talked about how games in Little Rock are beneficial to many people all over the state and not just Northwest Arkansas.

"Moving games from Little Rock cuts out on the tailgating that many students and alumni do in Little Rock because the opportunity is not available in Fayetteville," said Ben Fox, member of the opposition.

Fox said there is no way the administration would allow people to drive up on the front lawn of Old Main and park their cars.

Fox said it does not make sense to tailgate in one area and walk to the stadium in another. He said games in Little Rock have tailgating that takes place on the grounds.

"No matter what anyone may think about where games should be played, the students are the fan support and we call Fayetteville our home," Kit Clark said.